If you live in the Ocean Springs MS area and you're looking for a family dentist in Ocean Springs, then call McCabe Dental first. Whether you need general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, we'll provide you with some of the best dental procedures in the area.
One of our most popular procedures is dental bonding, also called composite bonding. Over time, life events can take a toll on your teeth, and they can become stained, dingy, chipped, or cracked. This means you no longer have the dazzling, white smile you used to have. Composite bonding can alleviate these imperfections, but some patients have concerns about the procedure. The following may help you decide if bonding is a good fit for you.
Common Misconceptions About Dental Bonding
The following are some of the most common misconceptions our family dentist in Ocean Springs encounters:
- Dental bonding is only cosmetic: Bonding improves the aesthetics of your teeth, but it also improves their functionality. It protects chips, cracks, or gaps from worsening and can deter the formation of decay.
- Composite bonding needs special dental care: Your natural teeth should be brushed and flossed twice daily, and you should use an antibacterial mouthwash daily. The same applies to bonded teeth. This should be your normal daily routine, so no special care should be needed.
- Bonding is expensive: Composite bonding is much more cost-effective than other types of cosmetic dentistry, such as crowns, implants, or veneers. We'll provide you with a detailed estimate of the cost, so contact us today to schedule an appointment.
- It's not reversible: Many dental procedures are irreversible, but bonding isn't one of them. Since there's minimal impact on the natural teeth, bonding can be easily removed by your Ocean Springs cosmetic dentist.
- Bonding is a short-term solution: If you take good care of your teeth, bonding can last more than a decade. Its longevity depends on the quality of your oral hygiene regimen.
Aftercare Tips From Your Ocean Springs Cosmetic Dentist
Good aftercare techniques can extend the life of your dental bonding and help maintain the best possible smile. The American Dental Association recommends the following minimum oral care routine:
- Brush and floss at least twice daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle, non-abrasive toothpaste without fluoride.
- Get regular exams and teeth cleanings. Twice annually is best, but annually at a minimum.
- Avoid biting into hard substances, such as ice.
- Limit your use of tobacco, coffee, tea, red wine, and so forth. They can discolor your bonded teeth, and you can't use tooth whiteners on bonding.
- If you have bruxism or are involved in contact sports, get a mouth guard from your dentist.
Need More Information or an Appointment?
If you need more information on dental bonding, or if you want to schedule an appointment with our Ocean Springs cosmetic dentist, then call McCabe Dental or send us an email. If, for some reason, bonding isn't the best option for you, we'll suggest alternatives so that you have the whitest and most beautiful smile possible.
Call us today. We look forward to speaking with you!